Rovers boss Tony Mowbray believes striker Danny Graham can have an impact both now and in the future at Ewood Park.

Graham will enter his third full season as a Rovers player in August after signing a new one year deal with the option for a further 12 months.

He has 36 goals to his name in 106 Rovers appearances and his extension adds some much needed experience to Mowbray’s attacking options.

Dominic Samuel and Joe Nuttall are the other two striking options for the Rovers boss who is keen to add to his options in that area following the departures of Adam Armstrong and Marcus Antonsson following their respective loan spells.

With Premier League experience to his name, the Ewood chief believes 33-year-old Graham can pass that wisdom on to the club’s other strikers, while still playing an active role in the first-team.

“Another reason why we kept Danny is so he can almost mentor younger players to help them grow into good footballers,” Mowbray explained.

 “Basic little things for strikers, Danny has scored plenty of goals just being in the right place at the right time and following in.

“Our younger strikers can learn a lot off him, just by watching him in training every day.”

Graham scored 17 times last year to help Rovers to promotion, an impressive haul given he had managed just three before December.

He became an integral part of the Rovers side during their two long unbeaten runs having struggled for opportunities in the opening months of the campaign.  

And Mowbray insists getting the best out of his experienced frontman relies on him having a hunger and point to prove.

Rovers will look to add competition for places in attack after the departure of Armstrong and Antonsson, with at least of couple of additions in that area expected.

Graham extended his Ewood stay a month after being offered a new deal, and turned down other offers, including one from Bolton Wanderers.

Mowbray says he was pleased to his hard work in securing Graham’s signature paid off.

“The main thing for me is keeping Danny hungry and keeping him scoring goals.

“He needs to do what he can to ensure he’s a starter every week.

 “I hope the fans are pleased. I worked hard to get Danny to stay.

“He did have offers but he was always keen to continue that journey, mainly for the rapport he has with the supporters.”

Graham’s tally of goals last season was only bettered by Bradley Dack’s 18, which helped him win the League One player of the year crown.

The two built up a great relationship off the pitch, and an excellent understanding on it, sharing 35 goals between them.

Mowbray plans to utilise Graham to get the best out of him next season, adding: “He is physical and uses his body so well.

“It’s an option we will need to utilise at times and keeping Danny will allow us to use that kind of option.

 “Both Danny and Bradley [Dack] became competitive with the goals they were getting.

“They get on well and there is a good understanding there, both helping each other to score goals.”